The City of Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge Business Association (WRBA), Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and Wheat Ridge’s LocalWorks recognized outstanding businesses in the community at the 21st Annual Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast. Distinguished guest Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, alongside local leaders and members of the business community, joined Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker to honor the achievements of Wheat Ridge businesses.
The 2025 award recipients are:
Business of the Year: The Business of the Year award recognizes a business that exemplifies the ‘Best in Business’ and represents the values of our community. Winner: Sweet Ridge Studios
Investment Award: This award is given to companies that have made a significant investment in its property, improved the overall appearance of the site, maintained property at the highest standards, or updated their building in a manner to make it more marketable. Winners: 7 Brew, Clancy’s Irish Pub, Colorado Plus, Grammy’s Goodies, Hampton Inn, Intermountain Medical Office Building, Renewal Wheat Ridge, Starbucks on Wadsworth, T-Birds
Green Business/Sustainability Award: Given to a business that conserves resources, improves the local economy, and enhances social conditions for the Wheat Ridge community and its employees. Winner: Sustainabilt
Cultural Commission Award: a business that has made an impact on the community by promoting/encouraging culture and the arts; promoting awareness of our cultural activities, diversity, and heritage; supporting opportunities in art education for all ages, and/or incorporating art into the architecture and design of their building. Winner: Anteak Booteek
City Council Partnership Award: recognizes that good governance is only as effective as the strength of our community partnerships. Winner: Foothills Regional Housing Authority
Mayor’s Partnership Award: Paige Piper
Wheat Ridge LocalWorks Connected Citizen: Kathleen Martell
WRBA Rising Star Award: Jacob Heeren, Strategic Partner Financial Group
WRBA Member of the Year: Lowery Burnett, Fountainhead Commercial
Wheat Ridge Chamber Business of the Year: Vectra Bank
Wheat Ridge Chamber Non-Profit: Intermountain Health
Wheat Ridge Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Shaun Pearman, Pearman Law Firm
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for joining us today at the 21st Annual Business Awards Breakfast. It’s truly inspiring to see our community come together to celebrate the innovation, hard work, and dedication of our local businesses. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Your success reflects the spirit and growth of Wheat Ridge, and we’re excited to continue supporting your journey,” said Wheat Ridge Economic Development Manager Steve Art.
Residents and local businesses nominated their choice for the Business of the Year and Wheat Ridge City Staff nominated for the Reinvestment Award. Nominations were reviewed and winners were selected by a team of Jefferson County business professionals for Business of the Year. Other award winners were selected by the sponsoring organization for that award.
Detailed information about the award recipients and their companies as well as photographs are available on request. Contact Steve Art, economic development manager at 303.235.2806 or email [email protected].
